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Latest Music News and Technology: February 2020

This EDM news roundup features new music technology and announcements from Output, Universal Audio, Akai, Arturia, Moog, Pioneer DJ, Novation, and more.

Novation Music Studio Desk
Photo by Novation

Music Industry News

ICON Collective’s music news roundup is your source for the latest music technology, industry news, gear reviews, artist interviews, events, and more. Here are ten exciting new products recently introduced at NAMM 2020.

Output and Barefoot Debut New Studio Monitors

Output and Barefoot are collaborating on a studio monitor expected to release this summer. The Output studio monitors combine sleek, modern design with the fidelity of pro audio powerhouse Barefoot Sound. These nearfield monitors feature 6.5” time-aligned, concentric drivers, and hand-crafted wood bases.

Universal Audio Announces All‑New LUNA Recording System

Universal Audio introduced the LUNA Recording System, a full-featured music creation, recording, and analog-style production system. LUNA consists of a UA Thunderbolt-equipped audio interface, the LUNA Application, LUNA Extensions, and LUNA Instruments. Key features include Apollo interface integration, built-in Neve Summing, Multitrack Tape Emulation, and all-new LUNA Instruments.

LUNA will be available as a free download for Apollo and Arrow Thunderbolt audio interface owners (Mac only) in Spring 2020.

Akai Pro Debuts MPC One Music Production Center

MPC One is a standalone music production unit that combines features from Akai’s legacy and modern MPC models. This compact music creation device offers all the essentials to create music without a computer. It offers sampling, sequencing, beat programming, editing, effects, instruments, and more. Key features include sixteen pressure-sensitive RBG pads, a 7-inch multi-touch display, four touch-sensitive controls, transport controls, and more.

Arturia Announces KeyStep Pro MIDI Keyboard

KeyStep Pro brings sequencing and performance power in a compact, versatile controller. It’s designed to control modular rigs, outboard synths, and software at the same time. This 37-key MIDI controller features four independent polyphonic sequencer tracks, 16 step trigger buttons, an arpeggiator, intuitive controls, and many more creative options.

Novation Introduces Launchpad Pro MK3

Launchpad Pro is Novation’s most advanced grid controller for producing with Ableton Live. It brings seamless integration and control over Ableton Live and MIDI instruments. This 64-pad MIDI grid controller features a 32-step standalone sequencer, three creative modes, Capture MIDI, USB-C, and more.

Korg Releases Wavestate Sequencing Synthesizer

KORG’s wavestate synthesizer combines immersive sound design with modern flexibility and intuitive hands-on control. This compact 37-key synthesizer expands on KORG’s legendary Wavestation from 1990. Main features include Wave Sequencing 2.0, 37 velocity-sensitive keys, programmable Mod Knobs, extensive modulation, vintage-style effects, a vast sample library, and more.

Solid State Logic Launches New Audio Interfaces

Solid State Logic (SSL) launched two new audio interfaces, the SSL2 and SSL2+. Both USB-powered interfaces feature class-leading mic preamps, studio-quality monitoring, a 4K analog enhancement inspired by classic SSL consoles, and an SSL Production Pack software bundle.

Moog Releases Subsequent 25 Analog Synthesizer

Subsequent 25 is a 2-note paraphonic analog synthesizer that melds the hands-on analog soul of classic Moog instruments with the workflow of modern sound-design. This compact keyboard synthesizer delivers the rich sonic density of iconic Moog synthesizers. It also adds an upgraded 25-note semi keybed, a high-powered headphone amp, real wood side panels, DAW integration, and more.

Pioneer DJ Announces New Flagship DJM-V10 Mixer

Pioneer DJ announced a new flagship mixer, the DJM-V10. Key features include six channels, send effects, a new filter, four-band EQ, and compressor on every channel, a new three-band master isolator EQ, high-quality analog conversion, and more. It’s the ultimate DJ mixer!

Nektar Introduces AURA Beat Composer

Nektar introduced AURA, a new 16-pad controller and step sequencer. Key features include 16 pressure-sensitive RGB pads, eight rotary knobs, a step sequencer, DAW integration, transport controls, and plugin control. For example, you host up to 16 different plugins simultaneously, so each pad plays a separate instrument.

Artesia Announces the Arrival of Xpad

Xpad is the newest member of the Xkey family. This compact MIDI controller features 16 pressure-sensitive RGB pads with expressive aftertouch, six pad banks, six programmable rotary knobs, and six assignable buttons. Xpad also sports a slim, ultra-portable design perfect mobile devices and musicians on the go!

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